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Newport unleashes coyote decoys to scare off harbor’s sea lions

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The idea of a coyote prowling on your boat might be upsetting. The city of Newport Beach’s harbor department is hoping sea lions feel the same.

The coyotes are plastic, but the sea lions don’t have to know that.

The city recently acquired a pack of coyote decoys that are stationed on boats and docks around Newport Harbor as scarecrows against sea lions.

The portly, pungent pinnipeds often invite themselves onto boats and docks to bask in the sun, damaging decks and otherwise being unruly. Boat owners try all manner of barriers to keep them in the water and off their property.

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City Harbormaster Dennis Durgan borrowed the coyote idea about a month ago from the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, which reported some success in using decoys. Durgan had his division order eight decoys at about $25 each to place at known sea lion hot spots. Harbor workers are keeping track of where the decoys are deployed as residents and boat owners get more-permanent abatement measures in place.

The city requires boat owners to keep sea lions off their vessels and suggests several methods: blocking swim steps or decks with cloth covers, patio furniture, potted plants, large plastic buckets, snow fencing or kayaks. Those with an engineering inclination can build a solar-powered, motion-activated sprinkler to interrupt the animals’ basking.

The city’s coyote dummies are life-size and look ready to pounce, with backs arched, teeth bared and yellow eyes wide and fixed. The bodies are plastic, but the tails are furry and twitch in the breeze.

“We are hopeful the sea lions slow down their partying soon so all can get some sleep at night,” Durgan said.

Davis writes for Times Community News.

hillary.davis@latimes.com

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